• Abhishek Ray
• Arindam Ghosh

The production of high-grade concrete using locally available low-quality aggregates remains a major challenge in regions where aggregate quality is inconsistent and access to premium aggregates is limited. This study investigates the feasibility of developing concrete of strength approaching M100 by optimizing mix design, rheology, and admixture technology despite the use of aggregates exhibiting unfavorable properties such as relatively high crushing value, low specific gravity, and elevated silt and clay content in crushed sand. A sequence of trial mixes was developed using self-compacting and high-flow concrete approaches with low water-to-cementitious ratios, supplementary cementitious materials, and advanced chemical admixtures. Initial trials using conventional mix strategies and 10 mm and 20 mm aggregate systems showed that although compressive strengths in the range of 68–96.8 MPa could be achieved at 28 days, strength development was constrained by weak aggregate–paste interaction, poor interfacial transition zone performance, and inadequate rheology retention. Root-cause analysis identified aggregate quality, fine contamination, and mineralogical irregularities in reddish aggregates as key factors responsible for suboptimal performance. To overcome these limitations, a modified superplasticizer technology based on small-molecule dispersion and redox-polymerized poly aryl ether chemistry was introduced, along with optimized binder composition and fiber incorporation. The improved system substantially enhanced workability retention, cohesiveness, and compressive strength, producing 7-day strengths up to 101.5 MPa and 28-day strengths up to 120 MPa. Comparative evaluation confirmed that the advanced admixture technology significantly improved both early-age and later-age strength relative to the original mixes. The study demonstrates that, although local low-quality aggregates impose severe constraints on ultra-high-strength concrete development, an integrated materials-engineering approach can still enable the successful production of high-grade concrete with robust fresh and hardened properties.

high-grade concrete, low-quality aggregates, self-compacting concrete, interfacial transition zone, admixture technology, compressive strength, workability retention

"Development of High-Grade Concrete Using Low-Quality Aggregates via Advanced Concrete Technology", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 3, page no.b610-b614, March-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2603175.pdf

"Development of High-Grade Concrete Using Low-Quality Aggregates via Advanced Concrete Technology", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 3, page no. ppb610-b614, March-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2603175.pdf